Exploring Coping Strategies and Cultural Influences Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Intervention

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges for families, with caregivers often experiencing heightened stress levels. This paper explores coping strategies adopted by parents of children with ASD and assesses the influence of cultural and social-economic factors on these strategies and stress levels. Extensive research has examined various coping mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of communal support, caregiver education, and problem-focused strategies. Moreover, studies highlight the multifaceted nature of parental stress, influenced by factors such as caregiver characteristics, child-related features, and socio-economic status. Cultural elements, including acculturation and religious/spiritual coping, also play a significant role in shaping caregivers’ stress experiences and coping strategies. Interventions targeting ASD caregivers focus on enhancing family adaptability, providing support, and empowering caregivers. These interventions, such as parent-mediated home-based programs, pretend play interventions, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), have shown promising results in reducing parental stress and improving child outcomes. However, challenges such as limited access to resources and cultural adaptations remain. Further research is needed to develop culturally sensitive interventions and address systemic barriers to support caregivers effectively.